An Answer from Above.

An Answer from Above

The year was 1989, and ninety six students sat relaxed in the pre degree class of Mampad college, aspiring to become future engineers and lecturers and teachers. Among them was Ranjith, who sat on the second bench near to Jaleel and Rajesh, his close friends. From that position, he could have a nice view of the face of Bindu Scaria, who had had a strong impression upon his mind ever since they first met. Learing physics, chemistry and math, ninety five wonderful classmates, beautiful girls among them and the freedom to cut classes and go to films to Nilambur- Ranjith felt that it was real life. So happy, so hopeful and promising.

Like any part of the world, growing up till one gets a job is very difficult in Kerala. Only a few brilliant students will get admission to engineering and medical colleges, and others have to struggle hard to enter government service. Ranjith was just above the average and was hoping to get through the entrance examination for selection to engineering. English language was his favorite subject and physics seemed to be difficult. His mind was filled with admiration for James Joyce, DH Lawrence or Oliver Goldsmith, and much filled with romantic and literary dreams.

Boys were afraid of even talking to girls. ‘ What will you give me if I talk to that girl?’ asked Ranjith to Jaleed pointing to Maya, who had been his earlier classmate. ‘ I will take your ticket for the movie today’, said Jaleed. Ranjith approached Maya and in a nervous formality, asked her about her class and friends. Jaleel was impressed and they took the next bus to Nilambur.

Film theatres were filled with local people for the noon shows, mainly for watching erotic films from Hollywood and Hong Kong. European films were also screened and people quenched their thirst for sex avidly watching the explicit love making scenes of the uninhibited stars. While sitting inside the theatre, Ranjith opened his mind about his fascination for Bindu.

‘Bindu’s face is special to me, but I cannot think about marrying her because I am not sure of getting a job in near future’ , said Ranjith. Jaleel was not interested in love affairs and he just advised him to concentrate on studies and try to enter a job before the age of twenty five. The film, The Girl on a Motorcycle, starring Alan Delon and Marianne Faithful started and the natives of Nilambur and nearby areas enjoyed the way of life of the western people at that time, full of freedom, adventures and romance.

They had lunch for three and a half rupees and boarded the bus back to their homes. Ranjith mind was filled with the thoughts of Bindu, higher studies, a scholarship to go abroad and landing a job before too long. His mind was complex and confused when he began to think about achieving things that seemed to elude him at the present moment.

On the final day of the academic year, there was a party and a group photo session. For unknown reasons Ranjith forgot to ask for Bindu’s address. After a month, he began to feel a very strong and painful nostalgia about the happiest period in his life. More than anything else, he longed to see Bindu, but he did not have her address. He did not get admission to engineering and settled for a chemistry course in another college. He could not study well . His mind was filled with worries and confusions. Whenever he met his old friends, he enquired about Bindu, but they did not know anything.

Ranjith saw the advertisements by people who offered thanks to St. Jude for favors received. He made up his mind to pray for nine days. He prayed for an opportunity to meet Bindu. One look and a few words; that was enough.

After three months, he went to a film alone. Jaleel was studying for engineering. It was a film in his mother tongue, a family film. When it was over, he looked back at the last row. Bindu! She was there with her friend and Ranjith felt that his heart was pushing itself out of the chest. He got an answer from above! He got the moment he was craving for. He approached Bindu and exchanged a few words and asked for her address. He was so happy that his mind, overflowing with joy, did not permit him to stay with her any longer. He wanted to relish the moment alone, away from the crowd.

When he reached home, he felt better. After a month, he wrote a letter to Bindu. She replied on a card about her studies and family. Ranjith still keeps that letter as a mark of the most glorious period in his life.